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You want to experience the freedom of riding a motorcycle and you decided to start riding. But what if you really haven'tever been the pilot of a two-wheeler ever? Don't fret. Following are some crucial tips which should help you have an easierbeginning. Do remember that safety is a prime concern in riding and the proper protective gear is an absolute essential.

2. The right place: Your fi rst several attempts on a bike must be on a soft surface like a fi eld/open ground. Do ensure thatpeople and vehicles around are as few in number as possible.

3. Learning the controls of a motorcycle: Make yourself familiar with the basic controls and switches such as:

a. Clutch lever on the left handlebar

b. Throttle and front brake on the right handle bar

c. Gear shifter near your left foot

d. Rear brake on the right foot side

4. Getting on the bike: As you sit on the bike, make sure that the middle stand and side stand are up. Plant one foot on theground and the other fi rmly on the bike. Use your hands to get a feel of the clutch and throttle.

5. Starting the bike: Switch on the ignition and ensure that the kill switch is on. Squeeze the clutch and use your left foot toshift and put the gear in neutral. Rookies may take time to fi nd neutral and that is absolutelty expected. Once neutral, leavethe clutch and push the start button or kick start the bike.

6. Warm up the engine: Let the engine run for about 45 seconds.

7. Get ready to get moving: Squeeze the clutch and with the right foot on the ground, use left foot to shift into 1st gear.Keeping the clutch squeezed, put your left foot on the ground and right foot on the rear brake.

8. Moving the bike: Slowly release the clutch while you simultaneously and slowly turn the accelerator. To avoid any mishap,don't release the clutch all at once or turn the accelerator too much. With the bike moving ahead slowly, lift your left footalso off the ground and on to the foot peg.

9. Shifting gears: Since you are in open space, keep going straight and gain some speed. Now release the accelerator,squeeze clutch lever, press gear shifter to change into second gear. Release the clutch and turn accelerator gently to moveat a higher speed. Subsequent gear ups can be done in a similar manner.

10. Learning more about the brakes: Start with the rear brake. Release accelerator and start pressing rear brake lever withyour foot. Once the rear brake is in use, start squeezing the front brake lever with your fi ngers but don't squeeze very hard.Squeeze the clutch as bike slows down to stop the engine from stalling.

11. Practice turning: Slow down before you enter into a turn and avoid braking during the turn. Keep your eyes on the end ofthe turn. Press handle bar towards the side you are turning and push away from handle bar on the other side. Themotorcycle will lean to the side you want to turn, lean with it and slightly increase speed to go through the turn. Do not leantoo much in the initial days of motorcycling until you are experienced. This can be dangerous. Keep steady speed as youcome out of the turn. Lean back up and let the motorcycle right itself without jerking on the handlebars.